Franklin Group Excessive College OF Max Clark; Photograph through Bryan Inexperienced

The faculty and highschool baseball seasons are winding down, that means that the MLB draft season is about to kick into excessive gear. Draft boards are starting to be solidified across the league, and entrance places of work are trying to work out situations and decide who is perhaps obtainable at their decide. For these unfamiliar with the MLB draft format, it’s fairly totally different from the opposite American sports activities drafts. As a substitute of a set signing bonus worth at every decide, the MLB gives a suggestion. A participant and his agent are free to barter and signal at any worth, whatever the slot suggestion. This results in a special degree of intrigue and a a lot much less predictable draft. For this mock, I analyzed draft tendencies to search out doubtless touchdown spots. As we method the draft, I’ll launch a last mock draft that explores a number of the rumors going round and different issues I’ve been in a position to hear from entrance workplace members.

Decide 1: Pittsburgh Pirates – Dylan Crews, OF, LSU

Crews is the most effective participant on this draft. That has been identified for some time, however his excellent 2023 season confirmed his standing as the highest canine. His batting common stands at .420, and he’s walked 20 extra occasions than he’s struck out. Crews has anchored a powerful LSU lineup and posts elite exit velocities and top-tier outcomes. Defensively, he’s nothing particular however can get the job performed at a nook outfield spot. He’s virtually major-league-ready proper now and may very well be an everyday in Pittsburgh by the summer time of 2024. This decide can be a shoo-in with most groups, however the Pirates have had a historical past of making an attempt to get inventive with their bonus pool. In 2021, they took Henry Davis, a university catcher, with the primary decide. The consensus prime expertise was Marcelo Mayer, however the Pirates handed on him to avoid wasting cash. In the event that they take the same route this 12 months preserve a watch out for Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford and even Virginia catcher Kyle Teel.

Decide 2: Washington Nationals – Paul Skenes, SP, LSU

Skenes transferred from Air Pressure to LSU and set the SEC on fireplace. His arsenal is essentially the most dynamic within the class, and he’s blown hitters away all season lengthy in faculty, averaging 16.6 strikeouts per 9 innings. Skenes is the prototypical fashionable pitcher with a loud fastball that repeatedly touches triple digits, robust offspeed stuff, and the flexibility to generate a whole lot of strikeouts. Whereas I’m not a fan of drafting pitchers early, this looks like a no brainer for Mike Rizzo and firm. Nevertheless, on the off likelihood the Pirates cross on Dylan Crews, he absolutely gained’t get previous Washington.

Decide 3: Detroit Tigers – Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick (NC)

Walker Jenkins, Wyatt Langford, and Max Clark all fall into a really comparable tier. All three outfielders are doubtless top-5 picks, locks to go within the prime 10, and might in all probability go in any order. I believe the Tigers would like the prep route and are in all probability going to be selecting between Jenkins and Clark at this spot. Jenkins gives the next ground and extra pop than Clark, making him the doubtless decide at this spot. Max will command a big bonus, however Detroit has a big bonus pool, in order that shouldn’t deter them in any manner. Jenkins is worse than Clark defensively, however his robust arm will make him proper fielder.

Decide 4: Texas Rangers – Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida

This can be a dream situation for Texas. Langford is among the most polished faculty hitters within the class and can have the ability to contribute to the long-lasting success the Rangers are at the moment constructing. He’s at the moment slashing .398/.521/.823. These numbers present how well-rounded his offensive profile is. In any draft with out Dylan Crews, Langford can be a severe contender for the primary total decide. He’s been the second-best hitter in faculty baseball behind Crews and has proven a complicated method, energy to all fields, and restricted strikeout numbers. I like this match, and I’m positive the Rangers would too. If Langford drops to 4, I can’t see a world the place Texas passes on him.

Decide 5: Minnesota Twins – Max Clark, OF, Franklin Group (IN)

Clark has been within the highlight for his total highschool profession and has dealt with the accompanying strain very nicely. He’s a real five-tool participant and maybe essentially the most athletic participant within the class. Clark’s power is on show, as he has proven energy to the alternative subject, particularly on the showcase circuit. Defensively, he’s obtained an important likelihood to stay in middle subject, clocking in as a 6.3 60-yard sprint runner. My solely concern with Clark is that he’s already actually robust and is perhaps near bodily maxed out, limiting the potential for a workforce to additional develop his energy. Regardless, the Twins can be thrilled to have him, and there’s additionally likelihood a workforce snags him earlier than this decide.

Decide 6: Oakland Athletics – Kyle Teel, C, Virginia

Everyone knows the A’s are working with a smaller finances in free company, that means they should draft nicely. Teel is somebody who Oakland will have the ability to pay a signing bonus under slot worth, which is able to enable them to signal higher gamers in a while within the draft. We noticed each the Rangers (Kumar Rocker and Brock Porter) and the Cubs (Cade Horton and Jackson Ferris) make the most of the same method final 12 months. That technique has labored out nicely up to now, and the A’s seem to be a candidate to avoid wasting cash this 12 months. None of that displays negatively on Teel, nonetheless. Whereas the underlying information has at all times been stable, this 12 months, his outcomes have lastly mirrored that. Teel has run a 1.157 OPS for the season whereas exhibiting a stable method and strolling 28 occasions. He’s surpassed Blake Mitchell as the most effective catcher within the class and is a lock to go within the first 15 picks. He’s robust on either side of the ball. His plate method is spectacular, and plenty of scouts have praised his receiving expertise. This transfer may additionally enable the A’s to seize a prep participant within the second spherical with their freed-up bonus area.

Decide 7: Cincinnati Reds – Rhett Lowder, SP, Wake Forest

Whereas Lowder’s fastball doesn’t gentle up the radar gun like Skenes, he’s nonetheless an influence pitcher. He leans closely on a three-pitch combine and has the most effective changeup within the draft. He sits within the mid-90s however can dial up the velo if wanted. His slider must be developed additional by no matter workforce drafts him, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty. The nice deception in Lowder’s supply and his plus management provides him the next ground than most pitchers. Lowder solely walks 1.8 guys per 9 innings, which places him among the many finest in faculty baseball. If Cincinnati desires the most effective participant obtainable at this spot, Lowder is the reply.

Decide 8: Kansas Metropolis Royals – Jacob Gonzalez, INF, Mississippi

Gonzalez seemed like a top-3 candidate coming into the 12 months, however he’s fallen barely down draft boards attributable to a much less profitable season. He was unbelievable in each his freshman and sophomore years however noticed much less favorable outcomes this season. Luckily for Gonzalez, a “much less profitable season” is a .435 on-base proportion with 10 dwelling runs. Gonzalez’s stable contact expertise and respectable plate self-discipline ought to make him a staple in virtually any lineup. His hitting profile jogs my memory of Reds’ shortstop Matt McLain fairly a bit. Defensively, he in all probability finally ends up sliding over to second base, however he may stay a shortstop if he will get quicker. Jacob’s defensive instincts are actually good, which supplies him a 50/50 likelihood to remain at brief regardless of his common velocity. Regardless, he tasks to be a stable center infielder for years to return.

Decide 9: Colorado Rockies – Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF, Vanderbilt

Bradfield is strictly the kind of participant that I can see the Rockies falling in love with. Their outfield has traditionally been full of speedy contact hitters like Bradfield. Whereas I believe Colorado in all probability takes Lowder if he isn’t off the board by their decide, that’s an unlikely situation, and Bradfield is an efficient comfort prize. He performs the sport in a manner that the Rockies clearly like. He’s one of many few hitters on this draft who I believe can steal a whole lot of bases yearly. Regardless of a down 12 months offensively, he nonetheless managed to swipe 37 luggage in solely 59 video games. A part of the dearth of offensive success was simply BABIP not falling his manner. I believe he could be a stable .270 hitter within the massive leagues whereas providing 70-grade protection and operating. His energy is healthier than most quick, contact-oriented gamers, and he’ll hit a whole lot of doubles into the gaps. If the Rockies can get him stronger and add some extra energy, he’ll be a really profitable participant for years to return.

Decide 10: Miami Marlins – Chase Dollander, SP, Tennessee

Dollander entered the 12 months as a contender for the primary total decide and has performed fairly nicely all year long. Nevertheless, as extra information emerged, Skenes, and probably Lowder, surpassed him. The ERA is a bit inflated at 4.28, partially attributable to enjoying in a particularly robust SEC and other people with the ability to catch barrels that wouldn’t be caught with wooden bats. Dollander must tweak his arsenal a bit as soon as he will get into professional ball however will transfer by means of the minor leagues shortly. I believe he’ll debut the second earliest of anybody on this draft, behind Dylan Crews. The Marlins have been massive on superior gamers that require much less growth within the farm system, and Dollander is simply that.

Decide 11: Los Angeles Angels – Arjun Nimmala, INF, Strawberry Crest (FL)

Nimmala is beginning to get extra consideration across the league, which is well-deserved. He is among the highest-upside abilities on this draft class. His athleticism is top-tier, he has plus-plus bat velocity, and he hits the ball actually exhausting. Nimmala definitely isn’t as polished as lots of his prep counterparts, and whiffs are nonetheless a priority. Nevertheless, the ceiling is so excessive that almost all groups shall be keen to look previous the whiffs. One other professional is that he’ll solely be 17 on the time of the draft, one thing that groups view very favorably. The Angels have chased after high-upside expertise earlier than and will try this once more if Nimmala remains to be on the board.

Decide 12: Arizona Diamondbacks – Jacob Wilson, INF, Grand Canyon

Exterior of Crews, I’m undecided anybody on this draft has nearly as good of successful instrument as Jacob Wilson. He has household ties to the league, as his dad, Jack, performed within the MLB. Whereas I usually don’t care about that sort of factor, the big-league bloodline could be very obvious in Wilson’s sport. He performs very good and has nice instincts on the plate and within the subject. The D-Backs have prioritized contact in latest drafts, which Wilson excels at. He has struck out solely 5 occasions in the whole 2023 season. Sure, 5 occasions. I perceive that the pitching within the Western Athletic Convention isn’t precisely skilled degree, however solely placing out 5 occasions at any degree is exceptional. Whereas high-contact guys usually preserve the ball within the park, Wilson has the potential to hit 15 homers a 12 months. This 12 months, Wilson racked up a .635 slugging proportion whereas sustaining a .412 common. I believe he’ll stick at shortstop, however some scouts assume he’ll find yourself shifting to 3rd base. He’ll be an above-average defender at both left infield spot attributable to his arm power and fast defensive actions. This can be a nice match, and, if drafted at 12, Wilson may very well be a key a part of the Diamondbacks’ infield as quickly because the 2025 season.

Decide 13: Chicago Cubs – Tommy Troy, INF, Stanford

Whereas the Cubs are in all probability due for a high-upside prep expertise, Troy is simply too good for them to cross up. He’s prime 5 on my board and doesn’t have a single gap in his sport. His .394 batting common, .707 slugging proportion, and 17 stolen bases on 18 makes an attempt this season present he makes contact, hits for some energy, and has plus velocity. He additionally fields nicely, and the instruments are harking back to fellow Stanford infielder and present Cubs’ second baseman Nico Hoerner. The Cubs would love to duplicate Hoerner’s success with Tommy. Since Jed Hoyer took over as GM, he’s proven the tendency to draft safely. Troy gives a excessive ground whereas nonetheless providing legit high-ceiling expertise. If Arjun Nimmala falls right here, the Cubs will doubtless contemplate him as nicely.

Decide 14: Boston Purple Sox – Kevin McGonigle, INF, Monsignor Bonner (PA)

McGonigle has been an enormous riser by means of this draft cycle. His contact expertise and total expertise have skyrocketed him into first-round conversations. He additionally suits into Boston’s drafting tendencies. They like high-contact guys who’ve some defensive versatility. McGonigle will in all probability be a main second baseman however can play shortstop and doubtless both nook outfield spot. He doesn’t strike out a lot, and he’s probably the greatest unhealthy ball hitters within the draft. Even his chases appear to lead to contact, and generally even exhausting contact. It’s exhausting to foretell what his bonus can be, as he may in all probability go as early as 9 or fall as late as 25, however I assume the Purple Sox may signal him for slot worth at 14.

Decide 15: Chicago White Sox – Colton Ledbetter, OF, Mississippi State

Ledbetter is a knowledge favourite, as he makes very exhausting contact and walks so much. He’s going to be a excessive on-base man however will doubtless whiff extra on the professional degree. His high quality of contact is nice, however he hits the ball on the bottom an excessive amount of. Any workforce that drafts Ledbetter will in all probability regulate his swing to generate extra line drives, which must be a easy repair. If that will get solved, I believe the ceiling is extremely excessive. Defensively, Colton is nothing particular and can in all probability find yourself in left subject, the place he shall be enough. The White Sox may in all probability get him underneath slot at 15 and have the ability to mess around with their bonus pool later within the draft, which makes this transfer much more interesting.

Sources:

Baseball-Reference.com

“Max Clark” through Bryan Inexperienced licensed underneath CC BY-SA 2.0